In 2008, CBS aired the first live MMA fights on network television, with three successful events earning time period-winning ratings in all key young adult and young men demographics. CBS's most recent broadcast in October 2008 ranked as the night's highest-rated program on both broadcast and cable in adults 18-34 and men 18-34, topping all other sports programming in those demographics, including the Major League Baseball playoffs and college football.

On Nov. 7, the world's Number One-ranked MMA heavyweight fighter, Fedor Emelianenko of Russia, will face undefeated American Brett Rogers of Minnesota in the marquee match up. The fight marks the first bout for the highly coveted Emelianenko since his promotional company M-1 Global signed an agreement with STRIKEFORCE to co-promote major events.

"There's no question this is a sport that is fast becoming a force in popularity and as a business," said Kelly Kahl, Senior Executive Vice President, Prime Time, CBS Television. "We're excited to be the platform that will enable millions more to see the athlete regarded as the very best in his sport. The Number One heavyweight on the most-watched network has a very nice ring to it."

Simply referred to as "Fedor" by fans around the world, the 6-foot, 235-pound Russian is one of the most dominant fighters in the sport. He is a master of the Russian military combat system Sambo and boasts a record of 30 wins, one loss, no draws with 16 wins by submission, seven knockouts and seven decisions. The 28-year-old Rogers (10-0) is a massive physical specimen standing 6-feet, 5-inches tall and weighing 265 pounds. He possesses two of the heaviest hands in the sport of MMA, an attribute that has helped him knock out all 10 of his professional opponents.

"It is an honor to have the opportunity to bring the STRIKEFORCE brand to CBS," said Scott Coker, Founder and CEO of STRIKEFORCE. "We are looking forward to bringing MMA back to the network and to having the world's No. 1 heavyweight-Fedor-compete for the first time on live network television against one of America's most promising young, undefeated stars-Brett Rogers."

STRIKEFORCE has experienced significant growth since it launched its first MMA promotion on March 10, 2006. After signing a landmark deal to air live events on SHOWTIME® earlier this year, STRIKEFORCE earned the premium network its highest MMA rating ever on August 15 with Carano vs. Cyborg. Shortly before the live telecast, the main event principals-Gina Carano and Cris "Cyborg" Santos-were the most searched terms on Yahoo! and Google, while the fight was the most discussed subject on Twitter

Nick Diaz better be fighting on this card. If he's fighting at middleweight, Jacare, Filho, and others are out there. If he's fighting at welterweight, Marius Zaromskis, who just won the Dream tournament would be a great opponent.

P.S. I am totally pumped that CBS is going to keep having Gus make the calls. EliteXC sucked, but he made it pretty cool. Gotta love Fedor being on Network TV.

FightDr wrote:Not really sure how good of terms he is on with Strikeforce now.He never showed up for his drug test when was supposed to fight Jay Hieron on Cyborg/Carano card.He's something else.

He had a damn good reason not to show. Dude has a prescription for medical cannibis. He had an arrangement with the former head of the CSAC to take his test right before the fight, so the pot could get out of his system. That guy quit, and the CSAC was asking him to take a test a week and a half before the fight. If he took that test, he would have gotten a year suspension. He chose instead to miss one fight. Smart move for a pothead.

Apart from Fedor, he, Shields, and the rest of the Cesar Gracie guys are the faces of Strikeforce. Strikeforce may be unhappy with him, but they're going to follow the Cay$h.

He's solid. I love his style.Just never a really smart move to stiff the guy who rights your check.That Carano/Cyborg card was a mess anyways with all the changes.He sells tickets so hopefully they can get him in their with someone solid.I would love to see the fight with Hieron go down.

Rogers is a straight up street fighter/brawler. If his chin is decent and he stays off the ground, he has a slim chance to win. Fedor needs to be tested and the only way that happens is in the UFC. Probably never going to see it though.